Three sermons about the dead are among the lesser-known writings of Johannes Marienwerder. They were addressed to Teutonic clergymen. In these writings, referring to 2 Mch 12:45, the author expounded the Catholic doctrine of purgatory, pointing out various aspects of prayer for the dead. The article analyzes the biblical argumentation to which Johannes of Marienwerder referred. He emphasizes the necessity of fervent and pious prayer for the dead. When analyzing the biblical argumentation, special attention was paid to the biblical hermeneutics used in the sermons, doctrinal message and pastoral recommendations.
The article addresses the issue of the permanence of marriage and family, analysing it from the perspective of both state and canon law. The author focuses on the issue of the revocability of final judgments in both legal orders, pointing out important differences and limitations. In civil law, the possibility of resumption of proceedings and cassation is clearly limited, especially if one of the parties has entered into a new marriage. By contrast, in canon law there is more flexibility in this regard. Admittedly, Pope Francis has limited the possibility of recourse to the Roman Rota for a retrial if there has been a new marriage. However, he has allowed an exception in the case of manifest injustice of the judgment. However, the lack of clear criteria defining who can consider such a ruling unjust and under what circumstances may raise doubts about the stability of newly contracted marriages.
This paper attempts to reconstruct the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Hypatia of Alexandria. The analysis focuses on identifying the perpetrators of the attack, their motives, and considering the extent to which Cyril can be held responsible for this event. Particular attention is paid to presenting Hypatia as a victim of the tense dispute between the ecclesiastical authorities, represented by Cyril, and the secular administration, led by Orestes. The events described took place in Alexandria at the beginning of the 5th century. The first part recalls the figure of Hypatia in relation to her curriculum vitae, as well as her scientific, teaching, social and political activities; the second part reconstructs the causes, course and consequences of the conflict between Cyril and Orestes and its impact on Hypatia's life; and the third and final part presents the last day of the philosopher's life ending in her tragic death. In this study, in order to present the analysed issue, selected ancient authors (5th-7th centuries) and excerpts from their works, mainly of a historical nature, were cited, including Socrates Scholasticus, John of Nicaea, Damascius, Philostorgius, John of Malalas, and Hesychius.
The author provides an overview of the great musical forms dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk (d. 1393). The development of this type of work was linked to the beatification (1721) and canonisation (1729) of this martyr from Prague. This led to the creation of a large number of oratorios (Porsile, Balbi, Reutter the Elder, Reutter the Younger, Monza, Caldara, Porpora, Stehlik), which content was based on legends and the life of the martyr (Balbin, Pfeffel). In addition to these, an important group of compositions are the litanies in honour of St. John of Nepomuk (Manschinger, & Scaron;. Brixi, F.X. Brixi, Koutnik, Schenkir & zcaron;, Gsur, Vocet), the cantata Chvalozp & ecaron;v k sv. Janu Nepomuck & eacute;mu (Ryba), and above all masses associated with his name (Caldara, Vogl, Leo, Haydn) and mass propriums (Dittersdorf, Predieri, Ziegler, Fischer, Zach, Kratochvil, Linek, Vogt, Jacob, Ebner). They were intended for liturgical rites and services dedicated to the saint, but some of the mentioned works (litany, motets, arias) also served the needs of the musica navalis project (music on boats, Order of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star), organised since 1715 on the waters of the Vltava River in Prague. The memory of the Prague martyr in 20th-and 21st-century music is confirmed by mass cycles (& Rcaron;ihovsk & yacute;, Pisk & aacute;& ccaron;ek) and cantata and oratorio music (Thuri, Ille, Bern & aacute;tek, Marek). This memory is also evidenced by compositions created outside the Czech Republic, including in Austria (Spitzner), Poland (Derlf), Croatia (Ebner), and even in the USA (Karczy & nacute;ski) and Venezuela (Montero). The musical works mentioned in the article complement our image of St. John of Nepomuk, indicating (aspectual hagiography) that he is a courageous follower of Christ, an opponent of all tyranny, the patron saint of confession and confessors, the protector of those who work on the water, and also the patron saint of the Czech nation and its identity (see the cantata Ryby, connection with the Cyril and Methodius idea).
Textbooks for teaching religion play a significant role in the transmission of religious knowledge. They are an indispensable didactic tool in the methodological repertoire of religion teachers. Their content broadens students' knowledge and shapes specific religious, social, and moral views and beliefs. The analysis of selected contemporary religion textbooks indicates that their authors take into account the assumptions of The Roman Catholic religion curriculum in kindergartens and schools regarding Jews and Judaism. They present students with fundamental content directly related to these issues, including historical, religious, and cultural aspects concerning Jews and Judaism. They draw attention to the common roots of Judaism and Christianity as well as the similarities and differences between these religions. They also emphasize the educational importance of the portrayal of Jews and Judaism, particularly in fostering attitudes of respect and tolerance toward followers of Judaism and in encouraging engagement in interreligious dialogue.
